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Platte Creek Recreation Area

Overview

Platte Creek Recreation Area serves as a serene gateway to the majestic Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River. Managed by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department, this location provides a quiet, authentic atmosphere for those looking to immerse themselves in the rugged Great Plains landscape. It is widely recognized for its peaceful camping environment and direct access to some of the state's most productive walleye waters, making it a long-standing staple for regional travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location & Surroundings

Situated approximately 15 miles southwest of the town of Platte, the park sits nestled along the eastern shore of the Missouri River. The surrounding topography is characterized by rolling hills and dramatic river bluffs that offer sweeping vistas of the water below. Visitors often remark on the dark night skies and the lack of highway noise, which provide exceptional stargazing opportunities and a deep sense of seclusion far removed from the bustle of city life.

Amenities & Park Features

The park caters well to RVers with a selection of electrical hookup sites that can accommodate various rig sizes and types. Essential facilities include a modern, high-quality boat ramp and a dedicated fish cleaning station, reflecting the area's popularity with local and visiting sportsmen. While the setting is more rustic than a private resort, travelers have access to vault toilets, picnic shelters, and a central dump station to ensure a comfortable stay while remaining close to nature.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Fishing is the primary draw here, as the Missouri River is nationally famous for trophy walleye, northern pike, and catfish. Boating and kayaking along the shoreline offer unique perspectives of the limestone cliffs and hidden inlets. For a change of pace, the nearby town of Platte offers local dining and historical charm. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy observing native wildlife such as white-tailed deer and bald eagles that frequent the river corridor throughout the different seasons.

Who This Park Is Best For

This destination is an ideal match for avid anglers and boaters who prioritize water access and proximity to the boat dock above all else. It also strongly appeals to nature-oriented RVers seeking a quiet, traditional camping experience where the focus remains on the natural landscape. If you prefer the sound of the wind through the prairie grass and the gentle lap of river waves over high-density commercial parks, this recreation area is a perfect fit for your travel style.

Amenities

- Tenting

• Covered Area w/Picnic Table

- Recreational Facilities

• Boating
• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Lake Francis Case)
• Playground
• Pavilion
• Rec Open to the Public
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Folding Tent Campers Allowed
• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Road Condition (Good)
• Road Type (Paved)
• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Boating

- Facility

• Type (State Park)
• Dump Station
• Partial Handicap Access
• Limited Facilities - Winter

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Spaces Available (36)
• Max Length (60)
• Gravel Sites (36)
• 20 Amp
• 30 Amp
• Shaded (Some)
• Electric (36)
• Max Amps (30)
• Back-ins (18 x 60)
• Room for Slideouts (Yes)

User Reviews

Cheryl Trosper

August 03, 2025

Beautiful campground, quiet and room to enjoy with out being on top of your neighbors. Clean showers and restrooms, did not use the vault toilets so no comment there. Fished below the dam, launched there and cleaned fish at the very convenient cleaning station.

Bibs Outdoors

March 28, 2025

Rates have gone up again! It is expensive in that you have to pay the same price OFF SEASON as you do regular season. You don't get water, flush toilets, showers, or clean pit toilets, but you pay for it as if you do. Pit toilet cleaner came by during our stay and left 2 rolls of toilet paper. He didn't bother sweeping or cleaning the floor. I'm glad I have to pay full price for that! (SARCASM) The pad was asphalt, and basically, level. 50, 30, and 20amp service was available. Garbage drop-off was also available, I say that because in SD, it isn't always there. We did see some incredible wildlife. Eagles (mature and immature) by the dozens. Hundreds of cranes. Dozens of pelicans. Hawks. Deer. Geese, ducks, and turkeys. At dusk, coyotes howled around the fringes of the campgrounds. It was wonderful. Lots of locals walking their dogs (unleashed), so heads up on that. Pickstown is a very small village about ½ mile from the campground, so some things can be purchased there at an elevated price. It was quiet. The night skies provided intense views of the stars. Rigs big and small will have no difficulty getting around in the park. A dump station is available. We didn't use it, so was the water on??? Firewood is available at a sin for a price. Little split sticks for an astronomical price. Shameful. Nice place, but the greed makes this place not so enticing.

S Parker

November 02, 2023

Beautiful location. Spots could use a little leveling. The access to boat ramps, a playground is great. We were here late, so only pit toilets were open. Bath house looked nice from outside.

Bellami Butteaux

September 20, 2023

I took off a star cause it doesn't have a water hook up. And it cost an extra $8/day on top of the campground fee that we already paid for. It's about $43/ day for only electric hook-up. I think that's why the campground was empty. It's a beautiful drive to get in and out of the park. It's a lot of bugs, though, not the one that bites you, but it's very annoying. It's hard to get in and out the rv without having some get in. I still find bugs in my rv after 3 days.

Andrea Birch

September 19, 2019

What a beautiful park and lake. Very well-kept, unfortunately right now it is flooded but still very beautiful. There are so many places to put your boat in places to just walk around. The dam is very cool. This is truly beautiful! They have a visitor center on the other side of the dam, I did not go into it but it looks very nice from the road. I see there are lots of camping areas. there’s a boat repair shop on the other side of the dam as well. very nice

Map for Platte Creek Recreation Area

Contact information